
Visiting Chip and Liz and grandchildren in New York was one of our goals before we began our full-time, live-at-home mission to the Provo MTC Mission beginning November 5. Steve and I flew to West Point, New York, via JFK Airport, to visit Chip, Liz, Chase, Allyson, Loryn and Hannah Cook. Chip, a major in the US army, is teaching Russian there for a two year assignment. While there, we enjoyed just nestling into their schedule, primarily playing with the grandchildren. How beautiful and special they all are. Of special note were the spectacular fall leaves exhibiting their brillant brown, orange, brown and yellow leaves. It took my breath away to view the handiwork of God. I think I must have chosen

to be born in October, as it truly is my favorite time of year, especially spending it in the Eastern part of the U.S.
It was apple-picking season in New York, so on Saturday, October 20 we ventured north to Hyde Park, NY, to visit the FDR Library and Vanderbilt mansion; however, on the way we stopped by a prolific apple orchard offering a vast variety of apples to pick (only $.65 per lb). What fun! We couldn't resist making a big apple pie and cobbler the next day.
Note that we invited Brook and Brady Dearden to dinner after church (held on the West Point campus at Thayer Hall) to enjoy the tasty feast (Chip bar-b-qued steaks) and Liz prepared all the fixings! It was a wonderful day.
Looks good mom!!